There is no doubt a well-executed brain shot is the most humane hunting kill possible; however there is little question few hunters are skilled enough to consistently execute that most humane execution. Those facts indisputable, I’m proud to say evidence suggests serious airgunners are leading the way in the quest for the most humane kill. That is partly and sometimes by necessity, given the limited power we wield; but I believe also a byproduct of airgunners being, by and large, more conscionable than the average hunter. Recent posts on this forum in multiple sections evidence not only both points, but a couple more.
- Airgunners are leading the way in the quest for the most humane kill, 2) are more conscionable than the average hunter, 3) are leading the way because they are more conscionable than the average hunter, and 4) since we typically shoot more often and expend exponentially more rounds of ammo, we can, and more often do, develop the finer shooting skills required to execute brain shots many hunters only scoff as stunt-work, or dream about. By the way, point 4 should be considered the first requisite for attempting brain shots; much less adopting them as routine.
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In my opinion, anyone believing they have the shooting skill necessary to consider brains shots should then familiarize himself well to the cranial anatomy of the target species before attempting it at the prey’s expense, lest the exercise go badly. The fact that many posts reference head shots but few mention brain shots hints why the disclaimer “lest the exercise go badly”. Although a brain shot is indeed a head shot, the two terms are not synonymous. Shots that do not penetrate the brain cavity not only often to not kill the prey, they often leave the victim grotesquely injured; NOT ACCEPTABLE. So in hopes of avoiding such catastrophes, there is no better cranial anatomy teaching tool than a skeletonized skull. Especially of the target species.
A recent forum post specifically asks for a cat skull image. That post prompted this response, however I can do much better than that. The bobcat skull pictured in this post not only gives great insights into preferred brain-shot placements, but also GRAPHIC insights into attempted brain shots gone bad!
Notice not only the broken skull on the inside, 3 o’clock edge of the bobcat’s right orbital where my first shot hit with a 10.3 grain .177 pellet at 986 FFS. Now also notice just to the readers’ left of that pellet hole a crack in the cranial wall on the inside of the eye socket where the same pellet also hit. Unfortunately neither of those impacts from my first (35 yard) shot penetrated into the brain. The orbital impact is not in the brain cavity; rather, it’s in the nasal cavity. Had my first shot hit just one-quarter inch farther right, the wildcat would have dropped instantly... and never known it.
Unfortunately, and I (will) blame it on the gusty cross-winds, since the shot was one-half inch off my intended mark, it only sent him down reeling for a couple seconds; time enough to chamber and deliver another round as he regained footing. Unfortunately that hurried shot is seen as the pellet hole in the jawbone in the bottom-center of this photo-
That shot also sent him down reeling a couple seconds as I chambered another round. I took the third shot as he tore out of there broadside to me; that shot seeming like a good chest shot.
His line of flight being thick, chest-high weedy cover, as I approached his escape route I dreaded the thought of badly wounding a beautiful bobcat. However he didn’t make it ten feet past my third shot, it indeed being a fatal chest shot.
I present this graphic evidence of not only my sorry shooting, but the possible unintended consequences of attempted brain shots in honest attempt to educate those considering them. Well done, they’re the most perfectly humane hunting shot possible. Any less than well done and… well, just consider this wildcat’s life if my third, desperation shot had not been as lucky.
Knowing from experience the harsh criticisms many readers are already formulating, before you post them, read the attached story titled 'Cat Tales'. Then, if you still feel compelled to criticize my motives for killing that bobcat, be forewarned I might defend myself from unwarranted attack(s). Then ask yourself what you would do if your pets had been attacked by feral cats three times previous, twice requiring veterinary services.
My taxidermist buddy did a good job recreating my description of the lovely cat’s last moments as he sneaked into range and peered through the weeds at the source of my mouth squeaking.
Warnings and disclaimers behind us, a few general observations about brain shooting might now be pertinent. First, and very important, shot angle is sometimes just as important as shot placement. Referring back to the frontal view of the bobcat skull (above), a typical angle presentation of animals looking at you, be aware that larger, slower pellets like a 15 foot-pound .22 that hit a half-inch higher and better centered might (also) not penetrate into the brain cavity due to too shallow impact angle. Point is, prey looking at you often present too shallow shot-impact angles to penetrate through the skull into the brain cavity. Better brain-shot angles to penetrate into the brain are (often) broadside and facing away presentations.
Good aiming points are (generally)- facing you, slightly above a line drawn between the eye-brows; broadside, slightly above a line between an eye and ear; and facing away, a line drawn between the ears. Facing-away presentations offer some advantages not only relating to shot angle, but effective target size/area. Refer to the facing-away bobcat photo below while reading the next paragraph.
A facing-away line drawn between the ears targets the occipital bone and occipital ridge area seen here as an arch bisecting the back of the skull. On many animals I’d describe the occipital ridge as a conveniently steep ridge for shot-angle(s).
Facing-away shots also allow more room for error, specifically for shots straying low of a line drawn between the ears. The hole in the bottom of the skull is where the spine connects, also known as the brain stem. Talk about a sweet-spot! And shots straying low of that often hit the spine itself; a debilitating injury, though not an instant “lights out” (as regards brain function).
I post this in hopes hunters contemplating brain shots might benefit from insights gained from much experience; insights both good and bad. For better perspective on one of those experiences I'm attaching (below) a copy of the story referenced earlier.
Happy Hunting Y'all,
Ron
View attachment Cat Tales pdf.1645667078.pdf
